Sabbath Economics and Watershed Discipleship

June 16-20, 2014Warren Wilson College | Swannanoa, NC

sponsored by the Food, Faith, and Religious Leadership Initiativewith support from Kalleiopeia Foundation

The interlocking crises of deepening climate change, resource exhaustion, and social disparity are stalking our history. To truly face these crises is to commit ourselves, as Christians and citizens, to radical and urgent changes that are both profoundly political and personal. The “Transition Movement” is shorthand for perceptions and practices that center on ecological and economic resiliency, restoration, and renewal. What might a Transition Church look like in the coming decade? What does Christian discipleship have to do with our local watershed, our farms and gardens, and the ecosystems on which all life depends? Using the witness of the biblical writers as our guide, this course will consider these questions over the span of five days.

The course will combine classroom learning, worship, eating together, and hands-on learning. Morning sessions will be led by renowned biblical scholar and activist Ched Myers, who will focus on “watershed discipleship” as a guiding metaphor and theological frame of reference. Afternoons will feature outdoor experiential education in local food gardens. Each day will be bookended with a short service of Psalms, music, and silent prayer (Lauds and Vespers) as a contemplative frame to begin and end our days together.

Given the realities of climate change, what unique role can faith communities play in North Carolina? In this 1/2 day workshop on June 16th, join us as we learn from local and national leaders on a wide array of topics related to faith and climate. This solutions-oriented gathering will explore not only what challenges we face with climate change, but also the unique role faith communities have to play in finding creative solutions. Tired of another guilt-tripping environmental workshop that bums you out and leaves you feeling overwhelmed? This one is different. Join us as we focus on theological reflection, ecological resilience, and that much-neglected biblical virtue of hope. Our evening keynote will be given by biblical scholar and activist Ched Myers. For more on Ched, click here.

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Note: If you register for the 5-day Sabbath Economics and Watershed Discipleship course, you will be automatically registered for the forum on June 16.

Tentative Schedule

1:00 – 1:30pm

Welcome

1:30 – 4:00pm

Workshops (2 tracks, 1 hour each)*

4:00 – 5:30pm

Outings: We will offer three options.

Forest Garden Tour at Warren Wilson’s Permaculture Garden

Birding Walk Along the River

Prayer Labyrinth Walk

5:30 – 7:00pm

Dinner/Fellowship (local BBQ and vegetarian options)

7:00 – 8:00pm

Keynote with Ched Myers (open to the public)

*We will feature two workshop sessions with three offerings each time. Titles include:

Climate 101 (including regional impacts)

Climate, Scripture, & Theology (including justice emphasis)

Climate Hope, Solutions, & Action

Climate, Food, and Faith

Climate and Congregational Life

Being a Good Witness: Climate Advocacy

For questions about the course, contact Fred Bahnson, bahnsoff@wfu.edu or 828.553.3564.